Pastor Kenneth Ray Martin Sr. was born September 23, 1952 to the late Janie Lee Newton Thomas and Willie D Thomas of Akron Ohio.
He was a 1970 graduate of the South High School in Akron Ohio. He attended the University of Ohio, Greensboro Bible College in Greensboro NC, Southeastern Seminary Extension Program in Nashville, TN; Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC and Fruitland Bible Institute of Henderson, NC.
Pastor Martin was a paraprofessional at West Junior High School in Akron, Ohio for 2 years. before moving to Greensboro, NC where he worked as an Assistant Program Director of the Parks and Recreation. He held the position of Associate Minister of the New Light Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC under the leadership of Pastor Cardes Brown. He pastored the Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, NC from 1978 – 1984 and Green Bethel Baptist Church in Boiling Springs, NC from 1984 - 1990. He was the former pastor of Maiden Chapel Baptist Church before becoming the pastor of the Golden Ridge Baptist Church where he pastored for 25 years as of October 24, 2021.
Pastor, was a God-fearing, humble, loving, supportive, respective, understanding, passionate, giving, trustworthy, dependable, reliable husband, father, pastor, cousin, uncle, brother, and friend. Most of all, he was a Preacher. Pastor started serving God at a early age. He preached his first sermon at the age of 15 years old and he had been spreading the good news ever since. He was a lead singer and director for the Hampton Miracle Jr’s of Akron, Ohio. He was also a member of The King Solomon Chorus and a Choir Director for Providence Baptist Church in Akron.
His religious affiliations included: the Ebenezer Baptist Association, the Black Ministerial Alliance of Gaffney, SC, General Baptist State Convention of USA and the College Minstrel Board of Associates of Gardner-Webb University. He was also a member of the NAACP and a recipient of the 2011 Service Award for Kingstown Community Organization for Concerned Citizens and a recipient of the 2011 Teen Summit Gold Award Gratification for Inspiration, Motivation and Dedication.
He was married to the former Shonetta Q. Mintz for 24 years. He has two children: Kendra Martin of Kingstown, NC and Kenneth Ray Martin Jr. of Shelby, NC; two stepchildren, Meagan Latrice Sanders ( Jeirdon) of Shelby, NC and Romey Alvin Mitchell Jr. of the home; two brothers Pastor James Michael Martin(Sharon) of Akron, Ohio and Nathan Martin of Windham, Ohio; six grandchildren: Kentez Martin, Demorreay Surratt, Chancellor Martin, Farri Martin, Zane Thompson and Ashton Sanders; two greatgrandchildren, Zorian Hopper and Kasey Lackey. mother-in-law: Patricia P. Mintz; one great aunt, Mother Ella Mae Watson; one great uncle, Deacon Donald Camp (Nanette); four godsons: Kaleb Brooks, Tavashia Rice, Ayden Thompson and Kaleb Webber; two goddaughters, Shericka Thompson and A’Niya Hopper; a special niece: Teneya Perkins as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Pastor Martin, believed that “To Be A Good Friend, One Must First Show Himself Friendly” and “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who o Strengthens Me”( Philippians 4:13
The funeral service for Mr. Martin will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Palmer Grove Baptist Church. Burial will take place at Golden Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook starting at 1:45 PM. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the church and other times at 121 Oak Avenue Shelby.
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